Postdoctoral Researcher – Synthetic Biology at NLR | Apply Now

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as NREL, is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher in Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering in Golden, Colorado, USA. This opportunity is suitable for recent PhD graduates with research experience in bacterial metabolism, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology. The position focuses on engineering microorganisms to convert single-carbon substrates into valuable fuels and chemicals, offering hands-on experience in advanced biotechnology and sustainable energy research.

  • Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering
  • Location: Golden, Colorado, USA
  • Research Group: Synthetic Biology and Bioconversion
  • Job ID: R14467

About National Laboratory of the Rockies

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory headquartered in Golden, Colorado. The laboratory conducts research in renewable energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies. Its multidisciplinary research teams develop innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency, support industrial innovation, and advance sustainable fuel and chemical production.

Postdoctoral Researcher Job Description

The Postdoctoral Researcher will join the Synthetic Biology and Bioconversion group at NLR’s RRES Center. The research focuses on engineering non-model bacterial strains using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering techniques to convert single-carbon (C1) substrates into fuels and chemicals under aerobic conditions. The selected candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop genetic engineering tools, analyze research results, and collaborate with multidisciplinary scientists to advance sustainable biomanufacturing technologies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Education: PhD completed within the last three years.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of bacterial metabolism and genetics.
  • Research Experience: Metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, plasmid construction, synthetic operon design, and genome editing.
  • Required Skills: Experience developing synthetic biology tools, independent research, laboratory safety, and troubleshooting.
  • Preferred: Experience with non-model bacteria, adaptive laboratory evolution, genome sequencing, metabolic models, or multi-omics analysis.

Annual Salary Range: $76,600–$126,400

Postdoctoral Researcher – Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct synthetic biology and metabolic engineering research on bacterial strains.
  • Develop genetic engineering approaches for converting C1 substrates into fuels and chemicals.
  • Design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments.
  • Develop and implement synthetic biology tools and techniques.
  • Work independently while following laboratory safety procedures.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Analyze experimental findings and communicate scientific results.
  • Prepare research reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

The Postdoctoral Researcher opportunity at the National Laboratory of the Rockies in the USA offers recent PhD graduates a chance to contribute to advanced synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and sustainable biotechnology research. With an annual salary range of $76,600–$126,400 and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, this position is worth exploring for researchers interested in microbial engineering and renewable chemical production. Eligible candidates can review the official notification and submit their applications through the NLR careers portal.

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